Swiss pass minaret ban, world’s religious leaders cry foul

01 Dec 2009 06:43 (South Africa)

Religious leaders around the world have already heaped criticism on Switzerland for passing a referendum to ban the further building of minarets. The Vatican joined Muslim figures from Indonesia and Egypt, as well as those in Switzerland, in calling the vote a blow to religious freedom. More than 57.5% of voters and 22 out of 26 cantons - or provinces - voted in favour of the ban on Sunday. The Swiss People’s Party, the country’s largest party had pushed the referendum, saying the minarets were a sign of “Islamisation”. A survey of minarets said there were currently only four such structures in the country.
For more, read the BBC

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